Leading sports lawyer Richard Cramer has warned that Isak's attempts to force the move through legal channels face steep odds, highlighting a raft of contractual hurdles that could keep him grounded at St James' Park.

Liverpool, fresh from their Premier League triumph under Arne Slot, saw their initial 110 million pounds bid for Isak rebuffed by Newcastle earlier this summer.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Magpies for around 60 million pounds three years ago, has since gone public with his frustrations. In a bombshell Instagram statement, Isak declared he had lost trust in the club over broken promises, insisting their relationship "can't continue."

Newcastle responded firmly, stating no official had committed to his departure this window and that conditions for a sale have not been met.

Cramer, a Leeds-based expert with over 30 years in sports law at Arch Law, shared his insights in an exclusive chat. "You do come across scenarios where a player claims promises of contract upgrades or releases at certain valuations," he said. "But side agreements don't stack up against the standard player's contract, which includes an Entire Agreement Clause. Unless it's registered with the Premier League, it holds little legal weight."

He dismissed Isak's potential breach-of-trust argument as "very weak," adding that extreme club behavior is needed to justify a player walking out, citing Carlos Tevez's 2011 fallout with Manchester City as a rare example.

Newcastle's Saudi-led owners, far removed from the cash-strapped Mike Ashley era, have dug in their heels. "The Saudis have money and no desperation to sell," Cramer noted. "They're peeved by the 'Saudi tax' inflating prices for them, so they're standing firm."

The Magpies narrowly dodged Profit and Sustainability Rules breaches last June by offloading Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, and a hefty profit on Isak, potentially 60 million pounds or more, could ease those pressures. Yet, they've explored replacements like Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, and Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen, with personal terms agreed on the latter, though Wolves demand 60 million pounds.

Isak's camp grew furious last summer when new sporting director Paul Mitchell nixed a contract extension, despite earlier talks under ex-co-owner Amanda Staveley. This sparked resentment, leading Isak to signal his exit intent at season's end. Now refusing to train with teammates or play, he's training solo on 120,000 pounds weekly wages.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed Isak will miss Monday's clash with Liverpool, saying, "There's been no change, he won't be part of the squad for this weekend's game." Howe added, "My wish is he'd be playing Monday night with us, but he won't be, and that's regrettable. I 100% want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt."

He remains optimistic about fan forgiveness: "The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good. The fans will always react to the way a player plays."

Despite the standoff, Cramer believes a deal could materialize swiftly before the September 1 deadline. "If it moves, it will move very, very quickly," he said, predicting a British-record 130 million pounds plus add-ons for goals, appearances, and trophies, potentially topping 150 million pounds. Newcastle could then splash on two strikers, but finding Champions League-caliber talent late in the window proves tough.

Liverpool's professionalism shines through, but Isak's outburst, including skipping the PFA Awards, might give them pause. "Liverpool run a very good ship and take a holistic approach," Cramer explained. "Do they want someone of that ilk in their changing room, especially in a challenging emotional year after Diogo Jota's death?" He advised Isak to stay quiet, warning, "If he can do it to Newcastle, would he do it to Liverpool?"

Sports law barrister Jibreel Tramboo echoed Cramer's caution: "Isak cannot walk away as he is under contract, and Newcastle holds the cards."

Partner Jamie Singer at Onside Law added that verbal assurances don't override contracts, and an unhappy Isak risks devaluing himself.

With Arsenal landing Eberechi Eze and Manchester City bolstering their ranks, Liverpool's title defense intensifies the urge to strike. A fresh bid post-Monday's Tyneside showdown could ramp up, but Newcastle's resolve, backed by a recent club statement on Isak, suggests they're prepping for a gritty holdout.

As time ticks down, all eyes are on whether Isak's rebellion cracks the Magpies' armor or forces an uneasy truce.

Joel Masilela tips Mamelodi Sundowns to edge Orlando Pirates in MTN8 semi-final showdown